Brow lift and temporo-malar lift price in Switzerland

Brow lifts and temporo-malar lifts target the upper third of the face: a lined forehead, drooping eyebrows, a lowered brow tail, heavy-looking eyes and sometimes sagging cheekbones when the procedure extends to the midface. These procedures are often performed endoscopically, with small incisions in the scalp, sometimes through an incision at the hairline. Their price depends on the extent of the procedure, the technique, the fixation devices used and any additional procedures, such as eyelid surgery. They are generally less expensive than a full face and neck lift, as they are shorter. For the procedure itself, see our page on the brow lift and temporo-malar lift.

A brow lift or temporo-malar lift quote includes the surgeon's fees, anaesthesia (often sedation), the procedure room, any fixation devices and check-ups. A temporal lift alone is the least expensive; a full endoscopic brow lift, especially combined with the midface or eyelids, is more expensive. Insurance only contributes in cases of documented visual impairment. Differences between Swiss regions remain moderate.

The surgeon's fees make up most of the quote: they cover the procedure, the consultation and follow-up. Anaesthesia is often sedation combined with local anaesthesia, less expensive than general anaesthesia. The procedure room, endoscopy equipment and supplies are added. Fixation devices, such as Endotine, which hold the tissues in place during healing, have their own cost, included or itemised depending on the practice. Dressings, the bandage, medication and check-ups complete the quote. A hospital stay is rarely needed.

The scope is decisive. A temporal lift alone, which raises the brow tail through small incisions in the hair at the temple, is the shortest procedure. An endoscopic brow lift, which raises the whole forehead and the eyebrows, takes longer. A temporo-malar lift, which extends towards the cheekbones, takes longer still. Combining it with a blepharoplasty, which is very common, adds a significant item. The type of anaesthesia, the use of fixation devices, the surgeon's experience and the clinic account for the rest.

For a slightly drooping eyebrow, botulinum toxin can slightly raise the brow tail, at a modest cost per session, but it must be repeated every few months. Thread lifts offer a temporary effect lasting one or two years, for an intermediate budget. Surgical lifting represents a larger but long-lasting investment. Over ten years, the cumulative cost of temporary solutions can exceed that of surgery.

The following tables show the cost of an endoscopic brow lift in the main cities and in the Swiss cantons, compared with Geneva.

A brow lift is most often cosmetic. However, when severely drooping eyebrows reduce the field of vision, an insurance contribution may be requested on the basis of a visual field test and a medical report, usually from an ophthalmologist. The decision rests with the insurer, and the application must be made before the procedure.

It is worth checking that the quotes relate to the same procedure (temporal, brow or temporo-malar lift, with or without eyelids) and seeing what is included, in particular fixation devices and anaesthesia. The surgeon's experience in endoscopy and their results at one year, especially regarding eyebrow shape, are criteria at least as important as price: an eyebrow that is too high or too arched is difficult to correct.

You should allow for a possible pre-operative assessment, care products for the scalp and scars, and a few days of keeping a low profile, because of swelling of the forehead and eyelids. These costs are modest, but worth anticipating.

A brow and temporal lift acts on an area that strongly shapes facial expression: a raised eyebrow makes the eyes look more open and rested. When properly indicated, it sometimes avoids eyelid surgery that would have been less effective. Choosing the right procedure from the outset is the best way to make good use of your budget.

A forty-five-year-old woman whose brow tail alone droops, giving a sad look, may benefit from a temporal lift alone, under sedation, as a day case: this is the most contained budget. A fifty-five-year-old man with a heavily lined forehead and low eyebrows will more likely be directed towards a full endoscopic brow lift with fixation devices: intermediate budget. A sixty-year-old woman with drooping eyebrows, heavy upper eyelids and sagging cheekbones may be offered a temporo-malar lift combined with upper blepharoplasty: this is the highest budget, but it treats the whole upper face in a single procedure and a single recovery.

When both the forehead and the eyelids are affected, it is generally advisable to treat the eyebrow first, or at the same time, then the eyelid. Performing a blepharoplasty alone when the eyebrow is drooping sometimes leads to removing too much skin and then needing further surgery. Combining the two procedures in one operation costs more at the time, but often avoids a second operation, and therefore a second bill.

In men, a brow lift requires particular attention to the hairline, sometimes receding, which determines incision placement. The price is comparable to that for a woman for an equivalent procedure; it may rise slightly if an adapted, longer technique is needed to hide the scars.

Before comparing prices, it helps to understand the procedure well: our page Brow and temporo-malar lift in Switzerland presents it.

Other prices to consult

• Facelift: prices in Switzerland
• Deep plane facelift: prices in Switzerland
• Face and neck lift: prices in Switzerland

Our guides

• Facelift in Switzerland
• Cosmetic surgery in Switzerland

What you need to know before signing a quote.

Your questions

How much does a brow lift cost? The price depends on the technique and any additional procedures; our tables show each region.

Is a temporal lift cheaper? Often, as it is shorter and more limited.

Does endoscopy increase the price? It may increase it slightly, because of the equipment.

Are fixation devices charged for? Often, such as Endotine, either extra or included.

Is upper eyelid surgery included? No, it is charged extra if combined.

Is general anaesthesia mandatory? No, sedation is sometimes possible and less expensive.

Is a night in the clinic needed? Not always; often done as a day case.

Is an eyebrow lift reimbursed? Rarely, except for documented visual impairment.

When can insurance contribute? If drooping eyebrows restrict the field of vision, based on a file.

Are check-ups included? Generally.

Can I pay in instalments? Depending on the clinic.

Does the price vary by city? Slightly.

Is a touch-up included? Rarely; ask for clarification.

Is botulinum toxin a cheaper alternative? Per session yes, but it must be repeated.

Do thread lifts cost less? Yes, for a more modest and temporary effect.

Does the price include the bandage? Yes, generally.

Are medications included? Not always.

Is a deposit required? Often.

Is the consultation fee deducted? Sometimes.

Does the price depend on the height of the forehead? Indirectly, depending on the technique chosen.

Is a hairline incision more expensive? Not necessarily; it all depends on operating time.

Is a midface lift included? Only if provided for in the quote.

Should you compare several quotes? Yes, for the same scope.

Is the price the same for a man? Yes, for the same procedures.

Are there administration fees? At some clinics.

How long is the quote valid? A few months in general.

Are follow-up photos included? Yes.

Does a brow lift last long? Many years, which puts its cost into perspective.

Can it be combined with a lower face lift? Yes, with an all-inclusive quote.

Is the pre-operative assessment charged for? Often extra.

Does the price include absorbable devices? Check; it depends on the practice.

Does sedation cost less than general anaesthesia? Yes, generally.

Should a low price be a concern? You need to check the technique and experience.

Is transport included? No.

Are there cancellation fees? Depending on the terms.

Is the price set before the procedure? Yes, in a written quote.

Give us your canton: we will send you free quotes from facial surgeons who perform forehead and temple lifts.